Nymphaea caerulea Known primarily as #blue #lotus, but also blue #water #lily, and sacred blue lily, is a water lily in the genus Nymphaea. Like other species in the genus, the plant contains the #psychoactive alkaloid #aporphine. It was well loved and often depicted by the #Ancient #Egyptians. Blue Lotus is known for psychoactive effects, with intriguing uses including #lucid #dreaming, heightened #relaxation, and as an #aphrodisiac, it's no wonder that interest in this plant and the resulting tea has persisted for centuries.
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What Is Blue Lotus?
There are two species commonly known as Blue Lotus.
The Indian lily flower is known by the botanical name Nelumbo nucifera.
The Blue Lotus flowers offered here are another blue lily known as the blue lotus of the Nile River, the plant Nymphaea caerulea. Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea means it's is a water lily in the genus Nymphaea, a botanical variety of Nymphaea nouchali.
The blue water lily offers an intoxicating beauty and fragrance. Its use in herbal remedies dates back to the ancient Egyptians, Thais, and Syrians. The blue lotus flower was used by the ancient Egyptians as part of celebrations, including in the form of blue lotus wine. The flower was considered the official flower of the sun god Ra.
It is an aquatic plant of freshwater lakes, pools and rivers, naturally found throughout most of the eastern half of Africa, as well as parts of southern Arabia, but has also been spread to other regions as an ornamental plant. It was grown by the Ancient Egyptian civilization, and had significance in their religion.
The blue lily is a water-growing plant that floats on the surface as its roots drive deep into the earth. The plant flowers during the day and closes up at night. The sacred flower has been associated with psychedelic effects and lucid dreaming, lending to its modern uses as a mind-altering drink.
Uses of Blue Lotus cereulea
The rootstock of the blue water lily was collected and eaten in western South Africa around 1800, either raw or in curries, in particular by the Cape Malays and farming communities in the Cape. Blue lotus tea enjoys a fascinating history dating back to the ancient Egyptians. The plant was so integral to Egyptian society that it appears numerous times in the Book of the Dead.
The effects of plants, including N. caerulea that contain the psychoactive alkaloid aporphine were known to both the Maya and the Ancient Egyptians. The mildly sedating effects of N. caerulea makes it a candidate for the fruit of the lotus tree eaten by the mythical Lotophagi in Homer's Odyssey.
For chemical analysis according to uses in Traditional Chinese Medicine read Comparative Analysis of Chemical Constituents in Different Parts of Lotus by UPLC and QToF-MS
This lotus has been used to produce perfumes since ancient times; it is also used in aromatherapy.
Psychoactive Effects of Blue Lotus Tea
Blue lotus tea was used in ancient societies in the Middle East, much like yerba mate is used in South America. The tea offers mild psychoactive effects that offer a feeling of euphoria, the reason the flower was drunk during celebrations, much as we use alcoholic beverages in the global north today.
Blue Lotus Tea as a Calming and Sleep Aid
Blue lotus tea can be an effective sleep aid because of its compounds, including nuciferine and aporphine, that offer antispasmodic effects and a calming sensation. The antispasmodic effects may also help to alleviate gastrointestinal problems such as dyspepsia.
Lucid Dreaming
Blue lotus, brewed as an herbal tea, is used to induce or enhance lucid dreaming. The flower petals can also be smoked for stress relief.
Aphrodisiac
Blue lotus extract may offer aphrodisiac effects! The plant has played a role in historical contexts, particularly in ancient Egypt, where it was used as part of sexual ceremonies.
Blue Lotus used as a Perfume, in Bath Salts and Skin Care
Blue lotus can be found in massage oils, perfumes, magnesium sprays and as blue lotus tincture. The plants contain alkaloids that are absorbed when applied topically, still offering relaxing effects without the psychedelic nature.
Make Certain Your Blue Lotus is Cultivated, NOT Wildcrafted!
Today, the plant is listed as endangered and can be found mostly on the Asian continent. Anarres supply is cultivated in Sri Lanka and directly supports their local community.
Blue Lotus has many names
Nymphaea caerulea is known in English as Egyptian lotus, blue lotus, blue water lily, Cape water lily, frog's pulpit, blue lotus of the Nile, blue waterlily, blue Egyptian lotus, blue Egyptian water lily (India), sacred blue lily of the Nile (India), Utpala (India), Cape blue waterlily (USA) and sacred blue lily.
DISCLAIMER
The information presented on this website is for informational, reference and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as a substitute for diagnosis and treatment by a health care practitioner.
Photo thanks to Jörg Fuhrmann (Intermerker), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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